Bitter cold makes water main break repair a challenge in Port Washington

 

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- City crews in Port Washington worked to fix a water main break downtown Friday, Feb. 12, that impacted surrounding businesses. 

When the owners of Java Dock Cafe opened up Friday morning, they realized they did not have water and they were told about the water main break. The owner said they had to get creative to stay open. 

"We made bakery as normal, have a full kitchen that's open," said Java Dock Cafe Owner, Angela Hill. "Got some big jugs of water to use. The only unfortunate thing is we can’t brew hot coffee and we are a coffee shop so that does make a challenge.”

City officials say they received a call about the water main break on Grand Avenue, near City Hall, just after midnight. 

Crews were out working for three hours and turned off the water main. Around 7 a.m., crews were back to finish the job. 

The water main break impacted businesses from Wisconsin Street to Milwaukee Street. 

Officials say they always have issues like this when frost gets pushed into the ground. 

“A lot nicer on a 70-degree day then it is 10 degrees, but two years ago we were out in the polar vortex, 23 below five days in a row. We got a great crew over here. They do all the work," said Leo Duffrin, water utilities superintendent with the City of Port Washington.